Dealing with a rodent problem in your Sandy Springs home? You’re not alone—rodents are a common issue here in Georgia, and they can cause more than just frustration. From damaging your home’s structure to creating health risks for your family, these pests are serious trouble.

If you’ve spotted droppings, gnaw marks, or heard scampering noises, you might have an unwelcome visitor. But is it mice or rats? Knowing the difference is key to solving the problem the right way.

At Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control, we understand Georgia homes and the challenges that come with keeping them rodent-free. Our team specializes in identifying, managing, and preventing infestations in Sandy Springs and beyond. Keep reading to learn how to tell the difference between mice and rats, spot the signs of an infestation, understand the risks they bring, and discover how Skedaddle’s proven techniques can restore comfort and safety to your home.

Key Differences Between Mice and Rats 

When dealing with rodents, understanding their biological differences is essential for effective control. Mice and rats may look similar at first glance, but several factors can help you identify which is invading your home. 

Appearance and Size 

• Mice are small and slim, typically 2.5–4 inches long, with a long, thin, hairy tail. They have pointed noses and large ears compared to their body size.
• Rats, in contrast, are significantly larger, measuring 6–9 inches in body length (not including their long, thick, scaly tails). They have blunt noses and smaller ears relative to their bulkier bodies.

Pro Tip: If you spot droppings, size can also be a clue. Mice droppings are tiny and shaped like grains of rice, while rat droppings are larger and more capsule-shaped.

Habitat Preferences 

• Mice prefer warmth and are often found nesting indoors in places like cupboards, behind appliances, or inside walls. They use soft materials like paper or fabric to build their nests.
• Rats, on the other hand, are more likely to burrow outdoors or invade basements and crawl spaces. For example, a Sandy Springs homeowner recently discovered a network of tunnels in their garden, which turned out to be signs of a Norway rat infestation.

Behavior and Diet 

• Mice are naturally curious and will explore new objects in their environment, making trapping a bit easier.
• Rats, however, are cautious and more destructive in their habits, chewing through electrical wires, wood, and even concrete over time.

Both species are opportunistic feeders, but while mice may be content with cereal crumbs, rats go for larger food items, often rummaging in garbage bins or pet food containers. 

Common Signs of an Infestation in Your Sandy Springs Home 

Identifying the telltale signs of a rodent infestation early is crucial to addressing the problem before it worsens. Here’s what to watch for in your home.

Physical Evidence 

• Droppings and Gnaw Marks

Mice droppings are small, while rats leave larger, shiny droppings. Similarly, gnaw marks differ, with mice leaving behind smaller, more consistent marks compared to the wider, deeper marks caused by rats. 

 Example: One Sandy Springs family discovered chew marks on multiple cereal boxes in their pantry, a classic mouse sign. 

Noises and Movement 

• If you hear scratching or scampering sounds at night, it’s likely rodents. Mice tend to stick to walls and confined spaces, while rats roam louder and further, often making their way into basements or attics.

Nest Locations and Damage 

• Mice create nests using light materials, often found in storage boxes or behind furniture.
• Rats can shred insulation and wood to create deeper, more concealed nests.

Skedaddle’s Humane Removal and Prevention Methods 

If you’ve identified signs of rodents in your home, it’s time to take action. We offer the most reliable rodent control services in Sandy Springs. Our approach combines humane practices, expert techniques, and preventative solutions to protect your property long-term. 

Detailed Assessment and Entry Point Sealing 

Our technicians conduct an in-depth inspection to locate entry points such as vents, crawl space openings, and gaps in walls. We seal all potential access points, preventing rodents from returning. Recently, we helped a Sandy Springs homeowner seal gaps in their crawl space to keep rats from re-entering. 

Safe, Humane Removal Process 

Unlike traditional traps and poisons, we use methods that ensure the safe removal of pests without harming pets or family members. Our one-way door systems allow rodents to exit your home without returning.

Clean-Up and Restoration Services 

Rodents often leave behind droppings, urine, and nesting materials that can pose health risks. We clean and sanitize the affected areas, making your home safe again.

We don’t stop at removal. We provide customized prevention tips, such as securing food sources, storing garbage properly, and maintaining landscaping to deter future rodent activity. 

Risks Rodents Pose to Your Home and Health

Rodents may seem small, but the risks they pose to your home and health are significant and should never be underestimated. Understanding these risks can help you take informed steps toward prevention and removal.

• Property Damage: Rodents have strong teeth that grow continuously, prompting them to gnaw on almost anything. They often chew on electrical wires, increasing the risk of fire hazards. Additionally, furniture, insulation, walls, and household items are vulnerable to the damage caused by persistent gnawing and nesting activities.
• Contamination: Diseases such as hantavirus and leptospirosis are serious health hazards that can be transmitted through rodent droppings, urine, and nesting materials. These contaminants can spread throughout your home, posing risks to your family and pets. 

One local homeowner learned this lesson the hard way after overlooking early signs of activity. By the time they noticed the issue, their attic had become a breeding ground for rodents, requiring extensive remediation to address the contamination.

• Reproductive Rates: Rodents reproduce at an alarming rate. A single pair of mice can produce dozens of offspring in just a few months. This rapid breeding cycle means that even a minor rodent issue can escalate quickly into a full-blown infestation. Waiting to act allows the problem to grow, making immediate intervention crucial to minimize risks to your home and health.

Why Georgia Homeowners Trust Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control

At Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control, we pride ourselves on delivering reliable, professional services to homeowners. Here’s why we’re the trusted choice for rodent removal and prevention:

Our team has decades of experience in safely and effectively removing rodents from homes, tailoring our solutions to meet each property’s unique needs.

We use humane, environmentally responsible methods to manage wildlife concerns. Our approach ensures that rodents are removed without harm and that future infestations are prevented through innovative and sustainable solutions.

We go beyond removal to implement preventative measures that keep rodents from returning. This comprehensive approach provides homeowners with peace of mind, knowing their property is protected for the future.

Take Action Today

Don’t wait for a rodent problem to escalate into a serious health or safety concern. Act now to safeguard your home and loved ones. Contact Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control in Sandy Springs today for an expert consultation or tailored solution. 

Book Your Rodent-Free Home Consultation Now and take the first step toward a clean, safe, and rodent-free environment. Our dedicated team is here to help restore comfort and security to your home!